Iwobi, Iheanacho in; Victor Moses, Mikel out – Ranking Nigeria’s top 5 creative EPL players

Alex Iwobi has established himself as Nigeria’s most prolific assist provider in Premier League history, with Kelechi Iheanacho also featuring among the country’s top five, Afrik-Foot reports.

The Fulham midfielder has 38 assists in the English top flight, putting him nine clear of former Arsenal and Nigeria star Nwankwo Kanu in second place, according to StatMuse.

The numbers also highlight an interesting shift between generations. While the likes of Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel played important roles during Nigeria’s most successful Premier League era, neither features in the top five for assists.

Nigeria’s five most creative Premier League players

1. Alex Iwobi – 38 assists

Iwobi is head and shoulders above the rest of the pack after more than a decade in the Premier League.

The 30-year-old has registered 38 assists across spells with Arsenal, Everton and Fulham, while also scoring 35 goals in 320 appearances.

His evolution is particularly notable. Initially deployed largely as an attacking midfielder and winger at Arsenal, Iwobi has increasingly become a more influential creator at Fulham from a deeper role.

2. Nwankwo Kanu – 29 assists

Kanu remains one of Nigeria’s most productive Premier League attackers, despite playing fewer matches than several players below him.

The former Arsenal star recorded 29 assists in 273 appearances, alongside 54 goals.

His combination of technique, intelligence and ability to bring teammates into play made him one of the most complete Nigerian forwards of his generation.

3. Yakubu Aiyegbeni – 26 assists

Yakubu’s reputation was built primarily around his goalscoring, but his 26 assists showcase another dimension to his game, one he wasn’t given a lot of credit for.

The former Portsmouth, Middlesbrough, Everton and Blackburn striker scored 95 Premier League goals and contributed 26 assists in 252 appearances.

His 121 combined goals and assists remain the highest goal involvement by a Nigerian in Premier League history.

4. Kelechi Iheanacho – 25 assists

Iheanacho is perhaps the biggest surprise among the top five. The Nigerian forward has 25 assists in just 196 Premier League appearances, placing him ahead of several players who spent considerably longer in England.

His creativity was particularly evident during his Manchester City and Leicester City years, when he regularly operated between midfield and attack.

With 42 goals to accompany his 25 assists, Iheanacho has produced 67 direct goal contributions in the English top-flight. The now-Bursaspor forward remains the only player to have scored on every weekday in a season of Premier League football.

5. Shola Ameobi – 20 assists

Ameobi completes the top five with 20 assists from 298 Premier League appearances.

The former Newcastle United striker spent the vast majority of his English top-flight career at St James’ Park, where his physical presence and link-up play made him a valuable contributor.

His 43 goals and 20 assists give him 63 Premier League goal contributions.

Moses and Mikel miss out

Victor Moses sits just outside the top five with 19 assists, despite making 220 Premier League appearances.

The former Wigan Athletic, Chelsea and Liverpool winger also scored 20 goals, giving him 39 direct goal contributions.

John Obi Mikel, meanwhile, is 12th on the list with 10 assists from 249 appearances.

The former Chelsea midfielder was never primarily judged by his attacking output, but his position among Nigeria’s most experienced Premier League players makes the contrast particularly interesting.

Iwobi’s position at the top of the summit is more than just a statistical achievement. It reflects the evolution of a player who has gradually transformed from a promising Arsenal youngster into Nigeria’s most productive Premier League creator.